England come from behind to beat inspired Samoa

Monday, 9 October 2023 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

LILLE (AFP): England came back to edge Samoa 18-17 in the Rugby World Cup on Saturday after trailing by nine points with half an hour to play.

The 2003 winners were already guaranteed the top spot in Pool D before kick-off and needed Danny Care’s late try to beat the Pacific Islanders, who were already knocked out.

England Captain Owen Farrell kicked two penalties and a conversion in Lille as he broke Jonny Wilkinson’s points record for the country before next Sunday’s quarter-final with, in all likelihood, Fiji.

England Head Coach Steve Borthwick started Farrell at centre outside fly-half George Ford as he looked to add some creativity to his side’s play after winning their opening three World Cup games.

Borthwick’s Samoa counterpart Seilala Mapusua changed his whole front five from last week’s loss to Japan, eyeing an unexpected maiden victory over the side eight places above them in the world rankings.

The thousands of travelling English fans sang ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’ in an attempt to distract Samoa’s players before their Sivu Tau pre-game war dance, setting the tone for a thrilling encounter.